Bedridden for months, Mikoto could only wonder the sort of burden her children would bear; the twins were in their early teens, thirteen years of age to be exact, still children but taking on duties befitting of an adult. They were soldiers, training to become knights of Valla, and though they were young and inexperienced, the two showed much promise, so much so that the Captain of the royal guard had decided to take them on as apprentices. Mikoto was happy that they were being recognized but at the same time she wished they had followed a different path.
The door to her room opened, Queen Arete walked in with a strained smile on her face; Mikoto understood her sisters discomfort, the Queen had always disliked seeing her loved ones in pain and with Mikoto in the condition she was in now, it simply broke her heart.
"Your Majesty" Mikoto greeted.
"Enough with the formalities Mikoto, we're sisters, me becoming Queen won't change that" Arete told her, Mikoto merely giggled before launching into a coughing fit; Arete quickly poured her a glass of water and lightly patted her back. Calming, Mikoto gratefully accepted the glass before gulping it down.
"What did the doctor say?" Arete asked taking a seat by the bed.
"I should be better in a few weeks" her response made Arete frown.
"Don't lie to me Mikoto; you said the same thing last week and you've only gotten worse. Please tell me what the doctor really said" Mikoto didn't say anything, she struggled to tug her lips into a smile; Arete could see fear and regret in her sister; something started tugging at her heart as she knew the answer to Mikoto's silence. Leaping forward Arete hugged her sister tightly yet gently, careful about her fragile figure yet fearful that if she loosened her grip, Mikoto would slip away.
"They predict I have until the end of the year" Mikoto whispered; Arete's bottom lip trembled, her eyes tearing up, she couldn't believe this was happening, it was too soon, far too soon for her sister to be leaving.
"There has to be something that can cure you" Arete spoke, her voice cracking. "A spell!" breaking away, Arete almost looked hopeful while she stared into Mikoto's tired eyes. "I can go ask our court mage, I'm sure he knows a spell that can cure you; or maybe a special remedy…." Mikoto hushed her sister's rambling, cracking a gentle smile and running her fingers through the strands of her sisters hair.
"Promise me one thing Arete" she said, the Queen nodded. "Promise me that you will look after Corrin and Kamui" Arete swallowed a lump in her throat, pushing down her sorrow and wiping her tears, she put on a powerful demeanor; she needed to be strong.
"I promise you; they will be safe in my care" Mikoto felt a weight lift off her shoulders, if there was anybody she could trust with her children it would be Arete. However now Mikoto felt disappointed, there was still so much she wanted to do, she wanted to witness her children grow up into remarkable people, she wanted to be there when they married their soul mates, what's more she wanted to get the chance to spoil her grandchildren.
The door suddenly opened, Corrin and Kamui walked in smiling; but upon seeing the Queen quickly composed themselves, bowing.
"Your Majesty" they greeted. Arete waved them off with a chuckle.
"We are alone, you do not need to be so formal with me" standing up she walked to the door. "But I best be going, I will give you three some space" the Queen left before anybody could say anything. The twins wondered why the Queen had left in such a hurry, but could only conclude that she may have important duties to attend to. Either way the two were quick to return their attention to their mother, quickly moving to her bedside with wide smiles ready to tell her about their day.
Queen Arete rushed to her bedroom chambers refusing to meet anybody in the eye; once she had arrived she locked the door and collapsed onto the floor releasing her anguish, her pain, her sorrow; she cried until no more tears would come.
Corrin replayed the dream in his mind over and over again. Maybe it was because he still felt a small connection to the woman named Mikoto that he felt uncomfortable hearing about her foreseen death, either way it was certainly unexpected; he had envisioned these dreams to be more pleasant, but it would seem that he needed to be prepared for the worst, he could only predict despair onwards from now. Now it begged the question, the Queen; she was nothing like how Azura had described her to be; or could this Queen Arete be the person she was before being succumbed to the corruption, he needed to investigate further, if this woman was to be his enemy he needed to learn everything about her.
"You seem engrossed in your thoughts" Garon said pulling Corrin back into reality.
"It's nothing" Corrin replied while getting dressed.
Through thick forests and moldy swamps, Corrin and his group traveled far out south, it was an eight day journey to their destination, a small mining town called Fielton; from what Corrin understood, the town held little importance to the Kingdom, possessing such a small mine that the amount of minerals it was able to produce was so insignificant that it was generally forgotten by the masses. Rain started to fall, followed by thunderstorms; the horses jumped with fright but were instantly calmed by Lilith's soothing touch. Corrin looked back at the group, Selena, Odin, Laslow and himself were on horseback; Lilith was driving a wagon that carried Azura, Felicia, Elise and her retainers, Arthur and Effie. Narrowing his eyes, Corrin spotted glimmers of light in the distance; he motioned to it allowing the others to spot it as well. The horses galloped, their hooves splashing in puddles soaking the riders boots; the rain came down harder and soon it became difficult to see what was in front; they used the distant light to guide their path.
Upon arriving they were met with large wooden gates; Corrin dismounted to knock, with five loud bangs a small window by the gate slid open.
"Who goes there?" an old man questioned.
"We are travelers who seek shelter from the storm, could you let us in?" Corrin asked; the old man looked closer at Corrin and his group.
"How many of you are there?" he asked.
"Ten of us" the old man started counting his fingers.
"That will be two hundred gold" Corrin was taken back, never before has he heard of an entry fee into a town.
"Two hundred gold? That is absurd, why is there an entry fee in the first place?" Corrin demanded.
"I don't make the rules, the Master does" the old man replied. "You either pay the fee or you're going to have to look for another town to settle" Corrin was peeved but pulled out a pouch. Dropping the gold pieces into the old man's hand; the small window slid closed and the group could hear the sound of locks unlocking followed by the doors slowly swinging open. Corrin quickly mounted his horse leading them into town.
With their horses tied down and their wagon secured, the group made their way into an inn; the place was empty, with only a few people sitting around tables, all of them looked miserable. Not making eye contact, Corrin made his way towards the bar.
"How many rooms do you have available?" he asked.
"All of them" the bartender responded.
"All of them?" Corrin repeated.
"We don't get visitors in this town, you are the first in a long time" the man looked a little too happy to have them. "How many rooms do you need?" Corrin dropped a small sack of gold coins.
"We'll take five rooms"
"Of course!" the man pulled out five bronze keys from under the bar sliding them towards Corrin. Taking them without question he was ready to turn around but was quick face the bartender again.
"If I may ask, what can you tell me about this town?" the man lost his smile at the question, carefully looking between Corrin and his companions; there wasn't hostility, just fear.
"That depends, what do you want to know?" Corrin leaned closer.
"Tell me about the person who governs this town, what are they like?" the bartender shook his head.
"Sorry but I have nothing to say, for your own good I would mind your own business" Corrin didn't press any further, he figured it had something to do with the Master of this town; this certainly was something worth investigating; but that would be for another time. He led his group to the second floor of rooms.
"So what are we doing here Big Brother?" everyone had gathered into a single room, Elise had asked the question plaguing everyone's mind; most had the general idea of Corrin's motive, but was unsure as to what the exact objective was.
"I'm looking for a man called Merak, I have been told that he resides in this town" the name didn't seem to ring any bells among the group, all except for Arthur and Effie, whose eyes widened at the name.
"The Might of Nohr? He's here?" Arthur questioned and for some reason Corrin knew the man would recognize the name.
"Yes, he's currently in hiding but I need his help to assist in my objective"
"My, this truly is exciting; to be able to meet a legend in person" Arthur spoke cheerfully. Elise looked over to her retainer.
"Who is Merak?" she asked. Arthur was still in awe to reply so Effie spoke.
"Merak was King Garon's first retainer, he played a key role in uniting Nohr; not only that but he was known to be one of the most skilled warriors to have ever graced the battlefield"
"So why haven't I heard about him before?" Elise questioned; Corrin flicked her forehead.
"That's because you haven't been studying like you should be" Merak's name has been in hundreds of books; he along with King Garon were always the main topic, highlighting their exploits together, most likely as a form of propaganda.
"His name is widely known on the streets, we consider Merak to be a hero of the people" Effie added. Though now it begged the question as to why Merak was exiled, having such a hero present would certainly be a morale booster for the people.
"Alright, so he's a hero, what does that have to with your plan?" Selena asked, she stood in the corner, arms crossed.
"He will be key to helping me form a rebellion against the King"
"Rebellion?" all the retainers minus Felicia cried out.
"Lady Elise, did you know about this?" Effie asked her liege, the youngest Princess nodded.
"Yes, my siblings and I are all in on Corrin's plan; we plan to defeat the Evil King"
"Evil King? But King Garon is your father Lady Elise" Arthur spoke. It was at that moment Garon appeared next to Corrin surprising everyone; even Azura who seemed to be the most composed out of everyone was shocked to see the spirit.
"Not exactly" Garon said. "The man you call King Garon is but an empty shell controlled by a higher power"
"Anankos" Selena finished. Both Corrin and Garon nodded.
"How exciting! Then that means Lord Corrin has communed with the dark spirits to be transformed as an anchor for the drifting soul of our dark kingdom" Odin deducted, he then pointed to Corrin, "You have become a shadow of vengeance!" Corrin seemed to have been roped into his antics decided to play along.
"Exactly as my comrade of darkness says. The void speaks to me; it has tasked me along with the undying vengeance of Nohr, the quest of slaying the evil God Dragon Anankos!" Selena groaned into her hands realizing she had one more Odin to deal with. Elise was laughing.
"Leo was right you are weird, and I love it" she told Odin who looked honored by her praise. Before either Corrin or Odin could continue Azura cleared her throat rather loudly.
"Before you kids continue with your shenanigans why don't we finish our previous conversation"
"Agreed with Lady Azura" Garon replied although he seemed a little disappointed about moving onto a more serious tone, it would seem he enjoyed Corrin and Odin's exaggerated speech. "As Lady Effie said, Merak has become an icon for the people of Nohr, having him be a symbol to unite under will help our cause in freeing Nohr from Anankos' grasp"
"Permission to speak your majesty" Effie asked, she was still stunned King Garon was speaking to them in such a casual tone.
"You may speak"
"Who is Anankos?" Corrin was the one to answer her.
"It is a long story but he is a greater power that has killed and taken over King Garon's body; my siblings and I are planning to stop him to free Nohr"
"I see…"
"It certainly sounds like a hero's job!" Arthur called out. "I can see why you would want to recruit the great Hero of Nohr" Elise jumped up all giddy.
"Isn't all this so exciting!"
"So how do we plan to search for this man? This town may be small but running around without any leads is a waste of time" Selena told them. Luckily for them Laslow had an idea.
"Leave that to me"
"Oh no you don't!" Selena was quick to decline. "I know what you're planning you womanizer" Laslow brushed her off.
"It's our best shot and besides Odin will help me"
"I am?" The man questioned.
"Of course you are, the more the merrier" Odin didn't look too sure, almost reluctant.
"I don't know, last time we tried this it didn't exactly go as planned" this prompted many curious heads, wondering what Odin was talking about.
"Then I'll join in" Corrin announced, Selena looked at him shocked.
"Do you even know what you're joining in on?" She asked him.
"Woo some girls to get the information we want" he answered flatly, Selena only looked at him disapprovingly but he shrugged her off. "I agree with Laslow it's our best shot right now. As you might have noticed the people here are a bit tight lipped" Selena didn't respond only grumbled to herself while leaning against her corner.
"Are you sure about this?" Garon asked in a hushed tone. "Trust me when I say that women can be very ferocious"
"Speaking from experience I assume" Corrin replied. Garon only eyed the boy which answered that question, but it didn't falter him. "Don't worry, I'm in capable hands" everyone shifted uncomfortably, Laslow included. "Besides what's the worst that could happen".
The following afternoon, the sky was still dreary, but the storm had passed; everyone sat around a table in the inn; Laslow looking dejected, Corrin sat next to him with Felicia nursing his black eye; Odin was the only one looking a little proud.
"Zero… I failed to win over even one girl" Laslow was mumbling to himself.
"At least you didn't get punched" Corrin countered clearly still in much pain.
"Don't worry Lord Corrin, at least the children were fond of you" Felicia tried to heal her Lord's wounded pride.
"That doesn't really make me feel any better…" Corrin muttered in return. Selena was snickering across the table.
"Well you got what you deserved" she said.
"Hey! That remark wasn't my intention" Corrin shouted, while muttering his last words "She just overreacted"
"Well if it's anything, I managed to get the information we need" Odin said null of his usual speech patterns due to still being embarrassed.
"And the weirdo is the one that succeeds" Azura said not holding back any tact. "Says much about the women of this generation if they can be wooed by such idiotic behavior" she turned to the corner. "Don't you think so Kamui?" everyone looked over to the same corner seeing nothing, they were a little concerned for the old lady but not wanting to get shouted at, they did not speak up; and it seemed like Corrin had either gotten used to it, or just accepted that this was one of the old ladies unusual perks.
"Hey! You're technically in the same generation as us, you just so happen to be from a different timeline" Corrin retorted in attempts to defend Odin's honor; Azura rolled her eyes.
"Well anyways…" Lilith finally spoke up. "What did you find out?" Clearing his throat Odin was back up with his usual routine.
"Our shining hero lives in the deepest depths of town, next to the fangs of the lonely mountain"
"So next to the mines" Corrin translated.
"You understood that?" Selena questioned, Corrin shrugged.
"Men's talk"
"Then clearly I've been misinformed about how men talk" Selena said sarcastically, Corrin grinned.
"Why of course, you're not a man after all" he told her holding back a chuckle.
"You're insufferable" was the response.
"I live to please" Huffing Selena stood up walking to the bar. Corrin smiling turned to the others.
"Elise, you and your retainers will follow me to search for Merak's home" Elise hopped off her chair saluting to him.
"Yes Sir!" she answered, she was having way too much fun.
The land was rotten, there was no plant life and the ground beneath their feet was slowly breaking away. Even Elise had the right mind to trudge carefully, her light steps tapping the pathway. Before they arrived Corrin could hear the sound of yelling; dashing into cover behind the various boulders that littered the way they peaked at the commotion.
"By order of the Master, you are to be escorted to his manor!" A soldier shouted.
"Your Master has requested many times and my answer is going to be the same. Now leave at once!" A large man responded he overlooked the many soldiers with a steady gaze; you could see the soldiers shift with great discomfort. Elise who was too short couldn't get a good view.
"What's going on?" She whispered.
"Trouble" Corrin replied. He watched the soldiers pull out their weapons, swords, spears and axes; Corrin wasn't certain but judging by their formation, the soldiers were inexperienced, almost like they were recruited yesterday.
"As the Master has decreed all those who disobey are to be executed" the soldier continued, the man rolled his eyes.
"We go through this routine every week, when will you people learn!" the door behind him suddenly burst open, out ran a young man; he held a large pick axe.
"Henri! Go back inside!" The man ordered.
"But father" Henri protested.
"No excuse, your duty right now is to look after your mother" the older man was stern and was not taking any chances, a final glare forced the young man back into the house. Turning back to the soldiers he immediately avoided a thrust from a spear. The other soldiers moved in quickly; the man backed away slightly allowing the spear tips to reach their maximum length, then he countered; grabbing onto the wooden pole of a spear he twisted it with incredible force easily disarming the soldier, then with a single swing knocked all the other soldier away.
Corrin wanted to continue observing but knew that couldn't happen. He hopped out from his hiding spot and dashed into the fray kicking one soldier in the back.
"Arthur, Effie, watch over Elise!" Corrin called out. The two retainers happily complied much to Elise's dismay who seemed to want to help out. Disarming one soldier's sword Corrin took it for himself and used the flat side of the blade to smack a few faces away. The man was quite surprised to see someone else join the fight; but he was on edge, unsure if he was friend or foe, either way he would use the assistance to his advantage. Parrying a sword he jumped to the side dodging an axe and with the moment of vulnerability knocked the soldiers out. The soldiers realized they were outmatched and started to flee; some even dropping their weapons hoping it would allow them to run faster; it certainly was the case but unnecessary since neither the man nor Corrin were about to give chase.
"I appreciate the help but what is your intention?" the man very quickly asked, Corrin tossed his sword away.
"Are you Merak?" he asked. The man narrowed his eyes.
"Yes, but who's asking"
"My name is Corrin and I am a Prince of Nohr" Merak looked at the boy head to toe.
"So you are, what does a Prince want with me?"
"I have a proposition for you, perhaps we can sit and chat?" the boy spoke with temptation; Merak could already tell he was going to be a handful.
"Very well"
"Hey guys!" Corrin called. "You can come out now" Merak looked out and saw three individuals pop out from behind a rock. "You don't mind if they join us do you?" Corrin asked sweetly.
"Just don't make a mess" Merak said opening the door.
Walking in, the house was cozy, just big enough for three people to live in. The wooden floorboards squeaked under Corrin's feet prompting the residence to turn in his direction.
"Father!" Henri rushed over. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, prepare the kettle, we have guests" the young man looked at Corrin.
"Uh… of course, right away" he said hurrying off. A woman walked into view, Corrin assumed was Merak's wife; shockingly the woman was Hoshidan.
"Sayako" Merak greeted. "We have a guest" the woman smiled warmly at them.
"Greetings, please have a seat and make yourself at home" she didn't possess any accent; in fact it was as if she's been speaking Nohrian her entire life.
"Is something the matter?" Merak asked noticing his stare. Corrin flinched.
"I apologies, I just did not expect to meet a Hoshidan" Corrin answered honestly, despite not trying to be offensive, Merak certainly felt offended, though the woman seemed to have just laughed it off.
"Will that be a problem?" he asked again, Corrin looked at him shaking his head.
"No, I was just surprised, that is all"
"Merak, stop scaring the boy" Sayako scolded. It was certainly a breath of fresh air, it was nice to meet a Hoshidan who didn't hate all Nohrians like they were the plague. Merak huffed before gesturing Corrin to sit. Elise jumped forward.
"Nice to meet you Ms Sayako, I'm Elise and these are my friends Effie and Arthur" the two retainers gave her a light nod.
"Greetings" They both greeted. Sayako laughed.
"My, aren't you all a bundle of energy; please come in" Elise plopped down next to Corrin, Effie and Arthur chose to seat themselves in a chair next to their liege.
"I just wanted to say it is truly an honor to get the chance to meet you Lord Merak" Effie said.
"Indeed you truly are a hero among heroes!" Arthur added. Merak didn't look flattered.
"I would prefer if you didn't refer to me as hero" he told them. Arthur looked like he wanted to say something but was silenced by Corrin raising his hand, he then looked Merak in the eyes; he has heard many times that the eyes were the window to a person's soul, and though he still wasn't as good at reading people as say Xander and Camilla, he certainly had an understanding of it. The man sitting across from him was a veteran warrior, that was all that needed to be said.
"I know you were King Garon's former retainer, the one they call the Might of Nohr" Merak leaned back crossing his arms.
"So I am, but what does that have anything to do with what you wish to speak to me about?" Corrin wasted no time, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I need your help to overthrow King Garon" there was a crashing noise, both Corrin and Merak turned to see Henri's hand slip on the kettle. Sayako rushed to her son's side.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"I'm fine mother" was the reply before turning to face his father. "Overthrow the king! Are you being serious" Henri looked excited much to Merak's dismay, he knitted his brow.
"Henri be silent, this does not concern you"
"But father, this is your chance!" he exclaimed. "You can finally take your revenge!"
"Enough! There will be no talk of revenge in this house" Merak yelled frightening Elise who scooched closer to Corrin. Henri looked dejected. Merak turned back to Corrin who kept his eyes locked onto him.
"What makes you think you have what it takes to overthrow the King? Many have tried and all have failed" a valid point but Corrin wasn't about to be swayed.
"Because we have something bigger planned" it was Elise who spoke up clearly wanting her voice to be heard. Merak darted from the girl to Corrin.
"And what is that?" he asked him.
"Unite all of Nohr, and bring down the Tyranny that is King Garon" as Corrin spoke those words, Henri's eyes glowed with admiration. "Which is why I need your help" Merak shook his head.
"I refuse" with such a quick response, Corrin didn't even have time to wrap his head around his answer.
"You refuse?" he repeated, Merak nodded.
"Yes, I refuse; the Kingdom's problems no longer concern me"
"How can you say that?" Corrin exclaimed. "You were once the most respected man in all of Nohr, with your presence alone many will rally behind your banner, overthrowing King Garon will be easy!" however Merak wasn't at all fazed, he grunted shaking his head.
"It is incorrect to assume I still hold such influence" Merak's words were quite hard to bear for people like Effie and Arthur who held much respect for the man. "No, I am nothing more than a simple old man" Sayako approached placing a cup of tea in front of each of them, Corrin looked down, it was Hoshidan tea.
"Merak" she said sitting next to the man placing a comforting hand over his. "The boy has a point; I know your heart pains to see what your former liege has become, maybe it is time something was to be done?" Corrin became hopeful by her words, he quickly turned back to Merak, his face fell; the man had not budged.
"No. I have made up my mind; I will not be helping you. I am sorry that you made this journey only to be disappointed" Corrin sighed leaning back.
"Nothing I say can change your mind?" he asked him. Merak shook his head. Sighing he took a sip from the tea, pleasantly surprised by it; thinking back he never did get the chance to try Hoshidan tea during his time in Hoshido; the aroma was different from Nohrian tea, there was freshness to it, something he could appreciate having gotten so used to the usual floral taste of Nohrian tea. "Very well" standing up Corrin made his way to the door. "I appreciate the chance to talk". Merak didn't say anything keeping his head down.
"What! That's it?" Elise shouted. "But the plan!"
"It's alright Elise" Corrin told. "We will think of something else" Corrin didn't want to admit it but he was disappointed, this turn of events certainly hindered his plan; without his banner, recruiting the rest of Nohr would be a little more challenging; certainly not impossible, it just was going to take a lot more work.
The sound of wheels rolling in followed by the yell of a soldier caught everyone's attention; Merak was the only one to roll his eyes out of annoyance; he already knew what was happening.
"It would seem we have a situation" Corrin commented.
"Sayako, Henri, stay inside, I will deal with this" Merak told his family.
"Be careful" Sayako whispered; Henri narrowed his eyes watching his father walk out the door. Corrin and Elise creeped over to the small window that overlooked the front, seeing a platoon of thirty soldiers; they stood around a beautifully decorated horse carriage.
"Who's that?" Elise asked.
"Most likely the Master of this place" Corrin mumbled. The carriage door opened, a short and round man walked out, he scrunched his nose while straightening out the creases to his vibrant coat, the sound of gems clanking against each other while his fingers moved.
"Hmph" Elise pout made Corrin raise a brow.
"What's the matter Elise" he asked. Crossing her arms, Elise made angriest yet most adorable expression.
"That man is Colewell and he is a big bully" she told him. "He's always sucking up to Father, and is always looking down on people, I even saw him harassing the servants a few times"
"Colewell is a vile man" Henri added. Both Corrin and Elise looked over to him. "He sucks the people dry of their resources and expects them to live off scraps"
"Henri, not in front of our guests" Sayako said, but Henri was angry, he was finally releasing all the frustration he has been bottling up.
"But Mother! It has to be said! The people are living in poverty while that man lives in luxury; it is unacceptable!"
"You're right" Corrin told him. "It is unacceptable" turning back to look out the window, Corrin narrowed his eyes. "And I wonder what I should do with him" he whispered his last few words; only Elise had heard him.
Outside, Merak stood staring down at the small man. Colewell ignored the dirty look, he was too busy dusting off his clothes.
"I can't understand how someone can live in such filth" he muttered to himself. He looked up only to cowardly back away under the large man's glare. Straightening himself up Colewell cleared his throat.
"Merak! My good friend" he called out. "I am truly hurt, how could you reject my invitation, I was looking forward to speaking with you" Merak let out a snort, he stepped out onto the muddy road, his boots slowly sinking into the dirt.
"Well you are here now, what do you want?" although irritated to be speaking to the short man, Merak was able to maintain a sense of mannerism. However the nobleman looked dissatisfied by the behavior, having expected a grand welcome; he puffed out his chest and put on an arrogant smirk.
"Straight to the point, that's what I like about you Merak…."
"Just get to the point Colewell, I don't have all day" Merak interrupted.
"Very well, I want you to join my guard" he announced as if it was the most prestigious position in the world. The man certainly had confidence, though it might have been mistaken for ignorance, because it was quite clear Colewell was oblivious to Merak's scowl.
"I refuse" his reply was so simple yet held so much force, Colewell took a few steps back.
"What do you mean you refuse? If you work for me, you will be showered with riches, you wouldn't have to live in such a disgusting place" Merak took offense to his words, scowl darkening he glared down at the man.
"After all these years, you still haven't realized?" he grabbed the small man by his collar. "I will never work for worthless scum like you" throwing the man to ground he proceeded to glare at Colewell's escort, all of them flinched under his stare. "And all of you, you think that you are free to do what you wish in this town without any consequences? Think again" scrambling onto his feet Colewell retreated back towards his men who were antagonized by Merak's threat, ready to kill the man when given the order.
"How dare you!" Colewell screamed. "Do you have any idea who I am?"
"Worthless scum" baffled Colewell was shaking with rage, he pointed at Merak.
"Seize him!" the soldiers eagerly charged forward.
"Hold it right there!" Elise yelled running out of the house. Colewell's eyes popped out at the sight of her; he quickly straightened himself up hoping to salvage any dignity he had left.
"Princess Elise! What on earth are you doing here?" Both Sayako and Henri were shocked by this revelation, their eyes widening as they looked at the girls small form.
"None of your business you bully!" Elise fired out, the young Princess was angry, and even Corrin would be wary when she was like this.
"Now, now Princess, that sort of language isn't befitting someone such as you" Colewell tried to quell her anger, but his parental tone only backfired when Elise glared at him deeply.
"I will speak however I want Colwell" she continued to yell. "In fact, what is the meaning of this?" Colewell was genuinely puzzled by Elise's question.
"I don't understand Princess" he then motioned to the carriage. "But please, if there is anything you are dissatisfied why don't we return to my manor and we can discuss this; I can also get in touch with your siblings, I am sure they are worried about you" Elise was about to reject the offer but was interrupted.
"It would be a pleasure to be invited to your manor Lord Colewell" Corrin spoke up. Colewell looked upon Corrin with confusion, so the Prince decided to enlighten him. "I am Corrin, a Prince of Nohr; I do believe this is our first time meeting"
"Prince?" Colewell had to take a moment for everything to click. "P-Prince Corrin! Of course! The mysterious Prince that has been fighting on the front lines!" now ignoring Merak, the noble man motioned both royals towards his carriage. "Please come! It would be an honor to have you both in my humble abode" Elise looked to her brother, waiting for his lead; Corrin motioned his farewell to Merak and his family; both Sayako and Henri looked onwards dumbly, they waved, unsure how to behave in the presence of the now revealed Prince and Princess. Merak made a grunt, glad that his troubles were being inherited by someone who actually wanted to get involved. Effie and Arthur quickly moved to stand by Elise's side.
"Oh! I hope you don't mind that we bring along some of our companions" Corrin told Colewell.
"Of course! They are all welcome" was his response.
Merak watched the carriage disappear along with the soldiers. One thing caught his attention, and that was the mischievous glint in Corrin's eyes as he entered Colewell's carriage; he didn't know what that signified but it certainly didn't sound good for the noble; but maybe the Prince could do something about the foolish man.
"Did you know?" Sayako asked.
"About them being royalty?" Sayako nodded. "Yes"
"Then why didn't you say anything; I was being so rude, I didn't even greet them properly" she told Merak; the man shrugged walking back into the house.
"It matters not" he told her, but then paused. "Where is Henri?"
"Is he not inside?" Sayako asked looking inside for her son. Merak looked behind him.
"Don't tell me he followed them".
Out in the far distance of town, a gang of black horse riders stood waiting; a single armored horse strolled to the front, a female warrior holding onto the reins, she was clad in full black steel plating, two menacing eyes bore through the visor of an ominous helmet watching the small mining town. She looked back to her riders, all of them staring back at her, their hollow eyes void of their humanity, they were all husks of their former self.
"Leave none alive, I want the head of the Grave Walker" she told them. They responded with eerie howl's, unleashing a chilling breath; the stampeding horses charged forward, their hooves smashing the ground. Swords were drawn; the riders were out for blood.